IELTS began in 1980 and is now one of the most well-known language skill tests in the world. This test is taken by candidates who want to study, work, and obtain citizenship in a foreign nation. Countries such as Ireland, the USA, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand prefer this exam to assess your skills. However, to take this, there are IELTS exam eligibility criteria that you should know about before you register for the exam. Further, the exam is quite hard for scholars. So, you can seek help from the best experts from Trivandrum. Since their booming technologies and economy are best in India. However, it attracts students who are looking for the best IELTS classes to ace 8+ band scores on the test. Moreover, read the article to learn about IELTS eligibility in detail.
IELTS Eligibility Criteria 2025
This section will provide full details about the IELTS exam eligibility. As prescribed by IDP, the conducting body for the exam in India, there are no strict instructions for this. However, below are details about the candidates’ age limit and minimum educational qualification.
Age Criteria
As such, there is no age limit set by the IDP, but students looking to take the test are required to be at least 16 years of age to fill out the registration form. There is no maximum age limit for taking the IELTS exam.
Educational Criteria
As notified by IDP, there is no minimum academic qualification for the IELTS exam. However, anyone who wants to pursue higher studies or wants to work can attempt the test. They can choose whether to give this Academic or General training. However, students should always refer to the IELTS exam eligibility guidelines set by the study institution to which they are applying to understand admission needs.
Now you understand what are the eligibility criteria you should meet to take the IELTS exam. Now read below to know how many bands you should ace to gain admission to top universities in the world.
What Is the Minimum IELTS Score Required by Top Institutes?
Each colleges have a different set of IELTS exam eligibility. It’s a set of guidelines as part of its admission process. Also, colleges have set different preferences that students need to fulfill. But, if you lack anything, you can seek help from Kochi experts at the IELTS coaching center. They will assist you in fulfilling all the specific criteria to get admission to your dream institute. In addition, scholars should also match the other preferences set by the colleges separately.
Read the list below to learn the IELTS cut-off across popular study-abroad places.
- Massachusetts Institutes of Technology (MIT) – 7.0 – 7.5+
- Cambridge University- 7.5+
- Oxford University- 7.0 – 7.5
- Harvard University- 6.5 – 7.5
- Stanford University- 7.0+
- University of California, Berkeley Campus- 6.5 – 7.0+
- University College London (UCL)- 6.5 – 7.5
Now, let’s know how many marks you must gain for entry into foreign countries for studies. Read below to get the details.
IELTS Eligibility by Countries
Different countries have different eligibility criteria for the IELTS exam. read below to know the preference for famous study places:
USA
Students with an average minimum IELTS band score between 6.0 and 6.5 are eligible to apply to most universities in the USA. However, students who desire to enter some of the world’s top universities need to aim for a band score that is slightly above average.
New Zealand
Scholars looking to study in NZ want to pursue a Master’s or bachelor’s degree. So, they have to ace 6.0 and 5.5 band scores in the same order.
Canada
A scholar pursuing a UG course in Canada requires an overall 6.0 band with no less than 5.5 marks in any section. Similarly, a student who wants to pursue a PG degree in Canada needs to have a gross 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any part.
UK
Candidates looking to study for a PG degree in the UK are required to score a minimum of 6.0 or above in the IELTS exam. For Pre-Masters, it is gross 5.0, and for UG, it is 6.5 or more.
Australia
Generally, to study at AU, students need to score a minimum band of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 for their PG degree. When you apply for the UG option, you must ace at least 6.0 gross in the IELTS exam.
This was all about the IELTS exam eligibility criteria by top countries for abroad students. Now, read below to learn about the documents you may require for the registration process.
Documents Required for IELTS Registration
The only paper needed in the IELTS application process is a valid passport. Aspirants would be required to provide details of their passports during the process. In addition, you should have the scanned copy of the front and the back at the time of the procedure. Also, IELTS takers would have to carry their passports to the test center on the test day.
Moreover, take a look below to learn about the documents to know if you are eligible for the IELTS exam:
- Passport
- National ID Card
- Passport-Sized Photo
- Proof of Payment (If fees are paid via bank transfer or other offline methods)
- Full Name (As per your ID)
- Date of Birth
- Address
- Contact Details (Email and Phone Number)
- Preferred Test Date and Venue
- Supporting Medical Documentation (If you need special arrangements)
Note: Requirements may vary by country and test center. You should check the official IELTS website for the latest updates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you must be 16 years old to meet the IELTS exam eligibility. Moreover, there are no rigid needs that make you a perfect fit for the IELTS exam. But, you need to check beforehand with the colleges and the countries you plan to study in. Thus, if you are still confused, you can enroll in the IELTS coaching in Trivandrum for better preparation. Moreover, your academic background or expertise will not hamper the path to make you a suitable candidate.